Almost got stranded on the Rae Lakes Loop after a storm washed out the creek crossing

I was at the first big crossing below Glen Pass and the water was already over my waist at 7am, and if I hadn't turned back right then I would have been stuck on the wrong side for days, has anyone else dealt with sudden creek swell on the Sierra high routes?

3 comments

3 Comments

sam_cooper16d ago

Carry a trekking pole and test the depth before every step, especially after rain. If the water is over your waist and moving fast, turn back no matter how far in you are. Always check the weather forecast for the whole Sierra before you start, not just the trailhead conditions.

the_rose16d ago

Last time I did the Sierra High Route I used trekking poles as probes constantly, and I tied a length of paracord to my pack strap so I could drop my gear and swim if needed. @aaronroberts, that Evolution Creek spot is no joke, I had to wait out a flash flood there by camping on a logjam.

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aaronroberts16d ago

Damn dude that sounds terrifying. I had a similar thing happen on the JMT near Evolution Creek a few years back, water went from knee high to chest high in like an hour after a surprise storm came over the pass. Scariest part was the current pulling at my legs while I was trying to backtrack through the same spot I'd crossed fine the day before. Smart call turning around early instead of pushing through and getting trapped.